What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to officially report Abbott Laboratories' financial results for the third quarter of 2018 and to make the accompanying press release available to investors.

What kind of financial measures did Abbott use in its Q3 2018 results announcement?

Abbott used both GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP measures were adjusted to exclude certain items that management considers unusual or unpredictable, aiming to provide a clearer view of ongoing operational performance.

What types of items are excluded in Abbott's non-GAAP financial measures?

Items excluded from Abbott's non-GAAP measures typically include expenses related to acquisitions and restructuring, gains from divestitures (like the Medical Optics business), costs for early debt extinguishment, asset impairment charges, and specific tax benefits or charges. Intangible amortization expense is also excluded.

Where can I find the specific financial numbers for Abbott's Q3 2018 performance?

The specific financial results and details for Abbott's third quarter 2018 performance are contained within the press release dated October 17, 2018, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference into this 8-K filing.

ABT 8-K: Earnings & Results

Summary

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) filed an 8-K on October 17, 2018, to report its third-quarter 2018 financial results. The filing primarily serves to furnish the press release detailing these results, which investors should review for a comprehensive understanding. A key takeaway is Abbott's use of non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude certain items to provide a clearer view of ongoing operational performance. These adjustments include impacts from acquisitions, restructuring, divestitures, debt extinguishment, asset impairments, and tax-related items. While these non-GAAP measures aim to offer insights into management's perspective on performance, investors are cautioned to consider them alongside GAAP-compliant measures. The news release, incorporated by reference, is the primary source for the specific financial figures and operational details of the quarter. The CFO's signature on the filing underscores the official release of this financial information.

Key Highlights

1Abbott Laboratories announced its third-quarter 2018 results on October 17, 2018, via an 8-K filing.
2The filing incorporates by reference a press release containing the detailed financial results for Q3 2018.
3Abbott utilized non-GAAP financial measures in its Q3 2018 earnings announcement.
4These non-GAAP measures adjust for unusual or unpredictable items such as acquisition, restructuring, and divestiture impacts.
5Specific exclusions in non-GAAP reporting include gains from business sales, debt extinguishment costs, asset impairments, and certain tax benefits.
6Management believes these non-GAAP measures offer greater visibility into ongoing business performance.
7Investors are advised to consider non-GAAP measures in conjunction with, not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures.

ABBOTT LABORATORIES 8-K Report, Financial Results (Oct 17, 2018)

Summary

Key Highlights

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